Wizards Of Whisky: Jim McEwan

Jim McEwan began his career as a trainee cooper at Bowmore distillery in 1963, at the age of 15. He worked his way up through the ranks at Bowmore, eventually becoming Cellar Master. In 1976, he moved to Morrison Bowmore, where he trained as a blender. In 1981, McEwan returned to Bowmore as Manager. He remained in this role until 2001, when he was appointed Master Distiller at Bruichladdich.

McEwan’s tenure at Bruichladdich was marked by a number of significant achievements, including the revival of the distillery – which had been mothballed for several years, the introduction of a number of innovative whiskies including Octomore and Port Charlotte and the development of a new approach to whisky making, which emphasised the importance of using traditional methods and local ingredients.

McEwan retired from Bruichladdich in 2015, but he has continued to work in the whisky industry in a number of capacities. He has written several books on whisky, and he has also been a consultant to a number of distilleries.
In 2020, McEwan was awarded an MBE for his services to the Scotch whisky industry. He is widely regarded as one of the most respected whisky experts in the world.

Some of McEwan’s other notable achievements include being named Master Distiller of the Year four times, being inducted into the Whisky Hall of Fame, being featured in a number of documentaries and television shows about whisky, and being a regular speaker at whisky events around the world. (Credits – dramscotland.co.uk/thewhiskyexchange.com)

Jim McEwan is a true whisky legend. He has dedicated his life to the whisky industry, and he has helped to shape the world of whisky as we know it today. His achievements are truly remarkable, and he is an inspiration to whisky lovers everywhere.